Kingsport City Schools talks policy revisions, fire alarm replacement

KINGSPORT — The Kingsport City Schools Board of Education discussed revised policies and purchasing Dobyns-Bennett High School's band uniforms at Tuesday's meeting. Outside of that, potential expansion of the Education Freedom Scholarship program was a discussion topic during the meeting. The Tennessee House passed a bill 52-42 Monday night that would up the number of scholarships for the program to 35,000. Members of Public School Strong Tennessee spoke out against the bill during the public comment portion of the meeting. Jenna Wingo, Jaunita Mitchell and Teresa Haywood stepped to the microphone to share their opposition to the legislation. "We've been communicating with other school boards across the Tri-Cities area, and we've been asking whether or not they'd be interested in reaffirming their resolutions against vouchers as a result of this expansion bill," said Wingo. Wingo said the program is currently unaccountable, "shrouded in secrecy" and does not have the same reporting standards as public schools. Reps. John Crawford, R-Kingsport; Bud Hulsey, R-Kingsport, and Timothy Hill, R-Blountville, all voted in favor of what is being referred to by some as the voucher expansion bill. The original legislation was signed into law in February 2025. The Hawkins County Board of Education signed a resolution against the proposed voucher expansion bill at its April 9 meeting. The Washington County Board of Education did the same at its April 2 meeting. Toward the end of the meeting, KCS Board members shared their own feelings on the legislation. Board President Brandon Fletcher thanked the Public Schools Strong group for showing up at the meeting and being patient with addressing the board. "I'd like to thank Rebecca Alexander of [Jonesborough], Gary Hicks of Rogersville, David Hawk of Greeneville and Renea Jones of Unicoi for listening to our educators, listening to the education experts, casting a no vote for that, even though it passed," Fletcher said. Board Vice President Melissa Woods said the board has been "very vocal" about the issue, along with having a legislative liaison who represents the board on certain related political issues. "I can promise you, there is not a representative from this area who does not know the negative impact that these vouchers are going to have on public education," she said. "There is still zero transparency. There's still zero accountability. There is still zero as far as a level playing field, the assessments are not the same." KCS Board member Todd Golden echoed the same sentiment, while also throwing in the start of election season around the corner. "Please get out and vote, I am shocked as to the level of participation," he said. "Even the [administrator] of the elections office, Mr. [Jason] Booher, said they expect roughly 10% to show up, which is disappointing. Let's just say that's disappointing considering, you have the mayor of Sullivan County up for election, and many of the county commissioners up — and many of these county commissioners are in favor of vouchers." Consent agenda Seven items were approved as part of the consent agenda portion of the meeting, including: Personnel considerations Approval March 10 meeting minutes Approval of new banking resolution and Roosevelt Elementary School Acceptance of Threat Assessment Team report for third quarter Approval of revised policy on public communications at board meetings Approval of revised policy on tuition students Approval of Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Grant Approval of Honors and Advanced Placement courses for 2026-2027 school year In the third quarter of 2025-26, four incidents were reported to state and local law enforcement agencies which required parent/guardian notice. This quarter spans from Jan. 1 to March 31 for this year. Board members approved changes to public comment and student tuition for non-Tennessee and out-of-state residents. Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee signed legislation last month to allow public comment "on any matter that is germane to the jurisdiction of the local governing body, regardless of whether such matter is an item on the agenda for the meeting." That is in addition to the requirement that allows public comment on listed agenda items during board meetings. The new policy changes the language to say non-Tennessee/out-of-state residents employed by KCS or the City of Kingsport and are parent(s)/guardian(s) of KCS tuition students will receive a tuition discount equal to half the tuition rate charged for Tennessee residents. Band uniforms The board also approved the purchase of band uniforms for Dobyns-Bennett High School for $93,850. According to documents included in the agenda packet, funding for the uniforms will come from the General Purpose School Fund and pay for 400 custom Cesario jackets and 75 Cesario black bib pants. Ohio-based uniform manufacturer Fred J. Miller Inc.'s initial quote letter to D-B states a 50% deposit or school purchase order, completed sizing charts and final prototype approval are required to begin production. Delivery can take anywhere from 180 to 210 days, with the balance due upon completion. "Kingsport City Schools benefits from using cooperative purchasing contracts with the confidence we are receiving competitive pricing and knowing the products awarded have already been through the procurement process of the lead agency," the recommendation provided in the agenda states. "Also, utilizing cooperative procurement agreements often leads to increased efficiency by decreasing the amount of time it takes from requisition entry to product receipt." D-B's Marching Band celebrates its 100th anniversary this year and will perform in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in November. Robinson fire alarm replacement Board members voted for KCS to enter into an agreement with Building Systems Technology for the Robinson Middle School Fire Alarm Replacement Project, for a total cost of $192,836.64. That includes the Holston Engineering fee ($8,686.32), construction costs ($173,726.32) and a 6% contingency fee ($10,424). At the March 31 work session, KCS Assistant Superintendent of Administration Andy True said the fire alarm replacement is necessary due to the system's aging out. The project is expected to be completed by July 24. "The voice versus siren systems that are kind of required now, that system is obsolete and beginning to break down," True said at the work session last month. "It's still functional, we're still obviously making it work, but replacement parts are difficult." Additionally, the board approved an agreement with Instructure for a customized benchmark assessment program to be used at a not-exceed amount of $98,209 awarded. Four proposals were considered by a KCS committee for the program, with the committee finding Instructure, also known as Mastery Connect, to best meet the district's needs. Recognitions The board recognized Dobyns-Bennett High School's All-State Band and Orchestra members. For the band, Will Bailey, Joseph-Michael Bellino, Chris Egan, Mark Galvez, Aaron Halliburton, JP Morris, Kerrington Slagle, Grant Smith, Sam Spotten, Jonathan Watts, EA Williamson and Zoe Young were honored. Abdulrahman Alyafi, Emily Doyle, Charlotte Ensminger and Nicholas Maynard from representing D-B for the All-State Orchestra were honored at the meeting as well. The next KCS board meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. May 12.